filipino american veterans

They Served, they Deserved Benefits.”
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and its allied organizations announced that they are all set for the biggest demonstration, the 12th JFAV Protest March/Rally in the entertainment capital of the world-Hollywood on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 12;00 noo at Holywood and Vine intersection.
For the first time, the JFAV march and rally in Hollywood and not in front of the Federal building in Downtown LA. as it usually does since 1997. Arturo Garcia, JFAV National coordinator explained the rationale for the change in venue :
“ The Federal Building in downtown LA is usually closed for the November 11 holiday so all the rallies there are symbolical. Now we will bring it to the eyes entire world an not an empty edifice.”
After the post-election victory of re-elected President, the JFAV wrote an appeal and demand letter asking the president to issue an executive order for full recognition of 43,000 Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors who for more than 66 years were still unrecognized American veterans.
Post Obama Election Protest Rally
The JFAV stopped the lobby on the US Congress for HR 210 after the GOP controlled House of Representatives refused JFAV a hearing on HR 210 at the House Veterans Affairs Committee last August 2012 even with 96 co-sponsors for the bill.

“Remember Bataan, Honor our Heroes!”
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and Seniors for Filipino American Community Empowerment (S4PACE) ,surviving the Filipino veterans especially the defenders of Bataan and their advocates will hold a commemoration of the 70th Bataan Day, on Monday, April 9, 2012 at FACLA Social Hall ,1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 5:00 PM.
The event dubbed as “ Gabi ng Kasaysayan at Kasiyahan”.—a dinner dance party is a fundraiser of JFAV for its delegation that will lobby at the US Congress from April 16-18, 2012 in Washington DC.

–“Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.”
As we marked and remember the struggle and victories of Martin Luther King Jr. today, we in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) do not only remember him in marches and rallies but in a tribute to dedicate ourselves for the final struggle for Filipino World War II Veterans and their survivors final struggle for justice and against racism and discrimination.
The testament that the struggle of MLK is vibrantly alive is that a sizeable majority of California US Representatives co-sponsor the equity bill for Filipino WW II vets, came from the Black Caucus .
They are the worthy followers of MLK. Most famous of them of them is Rep. Lewis of Georgia who marched with MLK during the civil rights movement.

The 3-mile long march began at around 10;45 Am. With the student groups like Kappa Psi Epsilon, Chi Rho , XPO, TBD, Samahang Pilipino at UCLA, Kababayan of UC Irvine. Katipunan UC Riverside, CalPoly BARKADA, FASA from CSUN, Long Beach PAC, San Marcos, Andres Bonifacio Samahan from San Diego,SDSU to mention a few leading the way.
They were joined by student activist groups from Pro People Youth KMB, ANSWER-LA, BANTAY PILIPINAS-USA, EPCC, AJLPP, the EFJPP while ve veterans and widows from the Society of Guerilla and Scouts (SGS), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV), VFP-UC Chapter, AWARE-LA, Seniors for PACE (SPACE ) rode in the vehicles.
Big streamers calling for recognition, justice and equity as well as immigrant rights were very prominent. Filipino, AJLPP and KMB flags flew high and proud during the march. The youth and advocates shouted slogans all the way.

MARCH FOR JUSTICE, EQUITY AND PEACE!
Everbody is ready for the Ninth Veterans Day Protest March next Thursday, November 11, 2010 in Los Angeles!
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) still calls on all community organizations, school and youth organizations in Southern California; advocates of justice and peace, veterans groups, widows and relatives of veterans to join the protest march to downtown Federal building on Veterans Day, November 11, 2010.
The assembly area is at Search to Involve the Filipino Americans (SIPA), 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 at 9;00 AM. The march route will be from Temple St right at Glendale to 2nd St to downtown Federal building at 300 Los Angeles St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The march will start at 10:30 AM.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) marks the 69th year of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) Day, July 26, 1941 with a community forum.
The commemorative event will be held on Monday , July 26, 2010 at the Silver Lake Medical Center ground floor at the Cafeteria at 1711 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA 90026 around 5;00 PM. The community forum will also discuss People’s CORE Smoke Free Apartment Project and issues about the veterans equity.

Scores of veterans and widows, advocates and guests marked the 65th year victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a simple program, Monday, June 14, 2010. The rites was held at the Church of the Nazarene Hall Social Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.
After the opening invocation given by Pastor Sonny River, the guests of honor , the Philippine Consul General Los Angeles, Mary Jo B. Aragon spoke about the significance of the Battle of Bessang Pass.
The Consul General Aragon pointed out “ The Battle of Bessang Pass in June 14, 1945 is the only military victory of the Filipinos Arms against the Japanese imperial forces in World War II. The division size all Filipino forces was led by five American officers.”

Honor our Veterans,Celebrate their victories!
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (AWARE) will mark the 65th year commemoration of the victory at the Battle of Bessang Pass, June 14, 1945 with a commemorative program
Arturo P. Garcia , JFAV national coordinator and Mrs. Lulu Astilla, AWARE president announced that the commemorative event will be held on Monday , June 14, 2010 at the Church of the Nazarene Hall at 3401 W.3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90020 at around 9:00 AM.

“It was the first, but it was a sweet success!”
The Inaugural MayFlower Festival in the west-end of Historic Filipinotown was held at the parking lot of the Church of the Nazarene parking lot last May 15, 2010. This was the first time that a festival was held in this side of town. Usually may festivals were held in the east side, the center of Historic Filipinotown.
Despite the heat of the sun at the end of spring, people turned up for the festivities. There were booths and displays from different community groups and participation from a broad spectrum of people from the community.

“It was the first, but it was a sweet success!”
The Inaugural MayFlower Festival in the west-end of Historic Filipinotown was held at the parking lot of the Church of the Nazarene parking lot last May 15, 2010. This was the first time that a festival was held in this side of town. Usually may festivals were held in the east side, the center of Historic Filipinotown.
Despite the heat of the sun at the end of spring, people turned up for the festivities. There were booths and displays from different community groups and participation from a broad spectrum of people from the community.

As the February 16 deadline came, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), a national alliance of veterans, youth, students and community organizations and activists for veterans' rights based in Los Angeles expressed that injustice reigns as the DVA announced that it has denied 16,000 claims for lump sum out of the of the 41,000 applicants.
JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P, Garcia said, "This is an outrage considering that the US and Philippine governments made so much political capital of the lump sum. This proves injustice still prevails.”

People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment with co-organizer Alliance Philippines, Los Angeles, ended its relief and fund drive to help the victims of the back to back floods that deluged the Philippines in October-November, 2009.
Final Report
The campaign which was launched on September 21, 2009 ended on December 31, 2009. The Relief and Fund Drive in Southern California and the Bay Area received a total donation of $6,469.43.
The financial aid and 174 “Balikbayan” boxes of used and brand new clothing, shoes, canned goods and medicines were sent to the Philippine-based non-profit organization, AKAP (Ang Kalusugan para sa Pinoy) for assistance to the flood victims.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, widows, students and youth and community advocates in the United States and the Association of Widows, Relatives and Advocates for Equality (AWARE) in Los Angeles marked the 65th year anniversary of the Leyte Landing on October 20, 1944 with a commemorative rites at the AWARE general assembly last October 22, 2009 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center Lecture hall.

Typhoon Ondoy smashed ashore in the Philippines on Friday, September 25th, killing over 400 people in Manila's worst flooding in generations. More than 80 percent of Manila was under water Sunday. The Philippine authorities are still struggling to help the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the devastating floods of Typhoon Ondoy. Over 240 people have died and the death toll is rising. Thirty-eight people are still missing. Almost 2 million people have been affected by the flooding. More than 380, 000 have reportedly abandoned their homes. Over 450, 000 people have taken refuge in emergency evacuation centers. However, finding shelter has not alleviated the suffering. Food, sanitation, and medical supplies are low. Major relief efforts are underway, yet are not sufficient to support the people’s needs for long. More support is needed. It is our time to help.
People’s CORE is a federally recognized non-profit organization locally based in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles (Federal Tax Id Number: 93-1216789). Working in partnership with four other non-profit and community-based organizations, AKAP (Ang Kalusugan para sa Pinoy, Inc.), AJLPP (Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines), KmB Pro-People Youth, and JFAV (Justice for Filipino American Veterans), People’s CORE launched Sagip Tulong sa Pilipinas (STP) Relief Drive on September 27th, 2009. The STP Relief Drive is collecting monetary and material donations such as clothes, shoes, medicines or non-perishable foods such as canned goods, to support the disaster relief efforts in the Philippines. This relief project will support food, sanitation, medical services and supplies for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines.

The Filipino American community led by the Parish Community of St. Columban Church will hold a memorial mass for President Cory Aquino on the feast of transfiguration on Thursday, 7:00PM - August 6, 2009 at the St. Columban Filipino Church at 125 S. Loma Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 in Historic Filipinotown.
The endorsing organizations for the memorial mass are the Bangon Pilipino,Bangon Pilipinas, Confederation of Filipino American Organizations (CONFAA)-Carson, Council of Fil-Am Leaders of Southern California, Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), Parish Generation Choir of St. Columban and Search to Involve the Pilipino Americans (SIPA).

The Filipino Veterans and their students and youth advocates commemorated the 111th Independence of the Philippines with a flag raising ceremony at the Hollywood Presbyterian medical Center (HPMC) Fair on June 13.
Despite the June gloom, hundreds of seniors, HPMC personnel, community folks and veterans raised the Philippine flag in a flag ceremony at around 9:45 in the morning on June 13 at the opening of the HPMC Community fair at Vermont at Fountain Sts.
They were led by SGS Commander Jack Vergara, AWARE president Lulu Astilla and JFAV National Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia. Philippine Consul general Mary Jo B. Aragon was the guest of honor.

3 Events This Week: Thursday-Saturday, June 11-13
Public Forum, Film Screening & Benefit Concert
Presented by AJLPP, GABNet-LA, JFAV and ANSWER Coalition
Filipino revolutionaries declared their independence from colonial Spain on June 12, 1898, 119 years ago. Two months later, the United States occupied Manila and declared war on the Philippines, crushing the young republic.
Today, Filipinos are still in struggle for true independence and sovereignty. With continued U.S. occupation and intervention, and a culture of impunity of human rights violations forced on the people of the Philippines, the Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP), the GABRIELA Network (GABNet), Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the ANSWER Coalition commemorate Philippine Independence with fierce struggle in the United States. Join us at the following exciting events this week:

Activists here continue their unrelenting advocacy in support of various causes and in protest of other issues even as the community savors Christmas and the advent of a new year.
The Filipino Veterans Support Bill, or SB 3689, remains as the foremost concern of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV). Despite failing energy, living FilVets stay active on the road, making their presence felt in mass actions and community gatherings, and taking the opportunity to speak their minds.
On December 8, JFAV announced the formation of a partner organization, the Association of Widows, Advocates and Relatives for Equality (Aware) at a meeting held at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) here.
In San Francisco, FilVets Gomer Bondad and Reggie Nacua, with activists Ago Pedalizo and Violy Reyes, discussed the seemingly unresolved impasse on the lump sum clause of SB 36879, now pending in the US Congress, at a community meeting held at the ABS-CBN studio in Redwood City last December 10

Maligayang Pasko!
Scores of Filipino World War II Veterans with the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) marched along the busy Temple Street sidewalks together with more than a hundred seniors, young students and residents from the Manila Terrace Apartments to Search to Involve The Pilipino Americans (SIPA) compound with lighted lanterns or ” Parols “last Friday, December 19.
Meanwhile, the JFAV-San Francisco held their Christmas program with a potluck lunch at the Wolff’s House in downtown San Francisco last Dec. 14. More than 60 veterans and widows attended the Christmas party.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) together with the Society of Guerillas and Scouts (SGS) will hold an organizing meeting for widows and relatives of Filipino World War II veterans on Monday, at 10:00 AM December 8, 2008 at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center at Fountain St/Vermont, CA 90027.
The event will mark the formal entry of the United States into the Second World War with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in Hawaii on December 7, 1941.

The newly inducted officers of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) for 2008-2010 were sworn–in by Rep. Lucille Roybal Allard of the 34th District last November 14, 2008 at the 3rd Floor of the Angelus Plaza , 255 N. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90012.
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) congratulates the new set of UFAV officers. UFAV was organized in 1984 and was always in the forefront of the veterans equity struggle. UFAV is a member of JFAV organized in 1998.

Thousands of students,scores of veterans and hundred of community advocates marched during the 8th Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) 8th VETERANS DAY PARADE and Community Fair NOVEMBER 8, 2008, in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.
The march and Community Fair started and ended at the at LAKE STREET PARK,227 N. Lake St. Los Angeles, CA 90026. The Veterans Day festivities had started at 10;30 AM at the veterans memorial with an ecumenical mass and wreath laying ceremonies.
The solemn tribute started with the national anthems sung by TINIG ng UCLA and the honor guards call on the line. And then the group of community leaders laid a wreath at the memorial monument. Dr. Ben Marte and Mo Nishida led the ecumenical services.

–Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) commemorated the 64th Year of the Leyte landing, October 20, 1944- the start of the Liberation of the Philippines with the proper rites at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center (HPMC) in Vermont and Fountain St in Los Angeles on Oct. 22, 2008.
Scores of World War II veterans, community advocates and the Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon, Vice Consul Daniel Espiritu, Errol Santos of HPMC and hospital personnel led the simple rites held at the HPMC auditorium. A Filipino mass was officiated by Fr. George Florendo to pay tribute to both living and departed veterans who fought in World War II in the Philippines.

Bailout the Filipino Veterans, Not the Corrupt Capitalists! No Justice, No Peace! On Friday, October 10, in Los Angeles and San Francisco,hundreds of Filipino American students, youth and veterans with their allies from AJLPP, ANSWER-LA, PCORE, SIPA,SEIU, LAANE and other groups held their rallies in front of the Federal Building in the two cities for Filipino veterans rights.

We are writing to you on the matter of the pending House version of SB 1315 pending at the House of Representatives.
First, we would like to express our deep appreciation for championing the cause of Filipino World War II veterans. We are very thankful to you and the Congressional Asian Pacific Caucus that despite the grandstanding of Congressman Bob Filner, you are sincerely on our side.
We would like to express our opposition to HR 6897 of Congressman Bob Filner which is a quit claim and an insult to our veterans and the Filipino American community. We want you to support the House version of SB 1315.
Stay steadfast on the course- PASS THE House version of SB 1315 Now!

More than 600 people turned out in a two-hour march-rally last July 10 proving that the community is “the heart of Long Beach”
The march led by the Long Beach Coalition for Better Jobs and Healthy Communities started with a picket at the Hilton Hotel at around 5:00 PM . Then the coalition marched to the Long Beach light house near the Aquarium of the Pacific where they held an hour long rally.
Led by Hilton Hotel workers who are organizing themselves, Filipinos, Latinos, African- American hotel workers demanded hotel administration neutrality over their efforts to organize themselves.

The Echo PArk Community Coalition (EPCC) supports the mass action on July 14 is slated to be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriot Hotel by the United Health Care Workers (UHW) -West against the plan of the SEIU /International to divide the UHW-West.
The mass action by the UHW-West was called for the hearing that could result in tearing apart the UHW based on a plan by the SEIU International to divide the UHW. The 150,000 UHW which has a large Filipino membership among its unionized workers is a member of the SEIU International which has 2 million members.

We, in the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) were profoundly shocked and saddened on the news of the sudden death of Don White, a dear comrade and friend of the Filipino World War II veterans and the Filipino immigrant community.
Don White, the Director of the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) in Los Angeles, 70, died of a massive heart attack in his apartment last Friday, June 20, 2008 in Los Angeles.

he people of California has spoken, They resoundingly rejected a state ballot measure that would have phased out rent control and barred government agencies from taking homes, businesses and farms for private development.
The Echo Park Community Coaliton (EPCC) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV) is exceedingly happy about the result of the voting.". Arturo P. Garcia. EPCC and JFAV coordinator said.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) calls on all voters in Los Angeles to vote NO on Prop.98.
JFAV cites the People's CORE LEAP survey of in the central LA for people to vote NO on Prop 98 that will abolish rent control in Los Angeles.

In response to nationally coordinated raids conducted by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) the Coalition to Defend Immigrant Rights (CDIR) in Los Angeles will join the Press Conference of the
newly formed Filipino American for Immigrant Rights (FAIR) and the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) on April 26, 2008 and the May 1 Rally Immigrant Workers Day March-Rally in downtown Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, more recent ICE Raids
More than 200 immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles this month. On April 4, more than 60 Mexican and Korean workers were arrested by ICE in Torrance and in downtown LA.

“Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War”
With these slogans scores of veterans, community advocates, youth and students signified their protest in front of the monument for the veterans of the Spanish-American War at the Westwood National Cemetery near the federal building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd. and Veterans St. yesterday, April 10 at 5:00 PM
“Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) commemorate the 66th Bataan Day with a protest rally for the passage of the equity bill in the U.S. Congress.. declared Arturo P. Garcia in an interview with the media.
“ If the US Congress can pass a resolution with 415 vote for a free Tibet against China, why can they not do the same with Filipino veterans?” asked Garcia. “ The equity bill has been languishing in Congress for 15 years,” “ What is wrong with Congress? Is this not a case of racism against the Filipinos and a case of China-bashing?” the AJLPP and JFAV declared.

“Remember Bataan!”
This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942.
Today, after 66 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day with a protest rally at the Westwood Federal building 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles on April 10, 2008 at 5:00 P.M..
“Money for the Filipino Veterans, Not for the War” will be the slogan of JFAV, AJLPP and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA who were spearheading the rally.

Money for Filipino Veterans, Not for the War!
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) with the Alliance Philippines (AJLPP ) and Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will mark the 66th Fall of Bataan Day with a protest rally for equity and justice on April 10, 2008 at 5: 00 PM at the West wood Federal Building at the corner of Veteran and Wilshire Streets.

No Justice, No Peace! The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) veterans council composed of different Filipino World War II veterans groups held a meeting to prepare for the 62nd year of the Rescission Act on February 18, 2008. Prominent veteran leaders attended the council meeting last February 9. Among those who attended were Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Jack Vergara of Society of Guerillas and Scout Inc.(SGSI); Ramon Lladoc of Veterans Center of the Philippines; Eugene Mondok of United Filipino American veterans(UFAV); Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia of JFAV and Arturo Garcia of People’s CORE.

REMEMBER THE RESCISSION ACT!
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) an alliance of veterans, community, youth, students and other groups will hold a two-day event recognizing the contributions of Filipino veterans of WWII, as well as the injustices they continue to endure.
On February 18, 1946, 672 years ago, the 79th US Congress passed the infamous Rescission Act that removed the recognition to 250,000 Filipino American veterans who served during the Second World War.
The first event called JFAV EDUCATION AND ACTION FORUM will be held on February 18 from 9:00 to 2:00 PM at the Lake St. Park Community Center . The forum seeks to study more about the Filipino Veteran's Struggle and strategize ways to gain justice and equity in 2008
The second mass action will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from
8 AM to 12 PM. Called the MARCH FOR EQUITY AND JUSTICE, the JFAV is calling on everyone join in calling for full recognition, benefits, and family reunification for Filipino Veterans.

Despite the stormy weather, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), in conjunction with the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans (ACFV), Peoples CORE and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), held a community action forum last Thursday, January 24, 2008, at 6:00 PM, The Forum was held at SIPA’s community room.
It was attended by a fairly good size crowd of veterans, students and community advocates.Veterans groups like Society of Guerillas and Sc outs (SGSI), United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines(VFP) , lobbyists, organizers, and other supporters was present
They were updated by ACFV Executive Director Eric Lachica, JFAV Coordinator Al P. Garcia and Franco Arcebal on the current progress of campaign efforts and relevant legislative bills in the continued pursuit of recognition of the Veterans sacrifices in World War II.

On the other hand, Al Garcia of the Justice for Filipino American Veterans in L.A. said that the non-passage of the equity bills was because of the solid opposition of the Republican party.The equity bill was vehemently opposed by Republican Senator Larry Craig.
“If some people in the Republican party will vote with the Democrats, maybe there’s a chance that it will pass the floor. But they were solid (against it). We are planning to do more dramatic mass actions next year. Senator Daniel Akaka is promising that perhaps, at the 62nd anniversary of the equity bill in February, they will try to pass it,” Garcia added.

The Alliance For Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) national coordinator Mario Santos express its utmost militant demand that the Department of Homeland Security heed the call of the American and Filipino peoples not to deport the Servano Couple now undergoing deportation proceedings.
The AJLPP National Coordinator Mario Santos expressed solidarity with the calls of the Coalition in Defense of immigrant Right (CDIR) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans(JFAV),both Los Angeles based organizations and many other groups,individuals and important personalities to stop the deportation of the Servano couple and let the Servanos to stay as American citizens.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) declares its unequivocal support for the Filipino couple Dr.Pedro Servano and his wife,Salvacion Capistrano not to be deported.
The JFAV Coordinator Arturo P. Garcia noted that Dr,Servano is a prominent family physician in Selinsgrove, an underserved area of Pennsylvania. Salvacion,was petitioned by a Filipino veteran – Bataan defender and death march survivor,who passed away in 2006.
JFAV also pointed out that the couple have stayed in the U.S, for the last 25 years and have four grown children. The JFAV, an alliance of World War II veterans, advocates, students and youth in California said that the latest decision not to detain them or deport them was a step in the right direction.

The horrifying fires we have all witnessed in Southern California are a direct result of stealing our tax dollars from all social services at home and giving them to the war machine. Please turn your grief into action and join the October 27 peace march in Los Angeles at 12 Noon from Olympic & Broadway and March to downtown federal building.

The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) forces joined the women's group GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet) last night that held a US-wide vigil to demand the immediate release of the GABNet 3--Dr. Annalisa Enrile (Chairperson), Ninotchka Rosca (Founding Chair, writer) and Judith Mirkinson (International Relations Officer, founding member)--who've been placed by the Philippine Department of Justice in a "watch" list and barred from returning home to the US. The mass actions in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco were held in front of four Philippine Consular offices in the United States on August 13, 2007.

The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) forces joined the women's group GABRIELA Network USA (GABNet) last night that held a US-wide vigil to demand the immediate release of the GABNet 3--Dr. Annalisa Enrile (Chairperson), Ninotchka Rosca (Founding Chair, writer) and Judith Mirkinson (International Relations Officer, founding member)--who've been placed by the Philippine Department of Justice in a "watch" list and barred from returning home to the US.
The mass actions in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco were held in front of four Philippine Consular offices in the United States on August 13, 2007.

Different Filipino World War II veterans and community organizations in Los Angeles today condemned the harassment perpetrated by the Philippine authorities against GABRIELA Network (GABNet) USA National Chairperson Dr. Annalisa Enrile.
Dr. Enrile was barred from boarding her return flight to the United States. This act of harassment occurred on the culminating day of the 10th bi-annual Women’s International Solidarity Affair in the Philippines, a conference that draws hundreds of women from all over the globe and covers issues such as sex trafficking and other international human right violations.
The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI) and other community organizations like the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC), Philippine Peasant Support Network (Pesante)-USA and other groups were outraged by the violations of Dr. Enrile’s rights.

The People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) composed of Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, ardently participates in the first Rotary Club of Historic Filipino 5 Kilometer Run Walk last August 5.
The activities was capped by a 5-kilometer run on Sunday Aug.5 More than 400 runners and walkers participated on the event. City Council Member Wendy Gruel awarded the winners of the 5K Run/Walk chaired by Rotarian Donny Joaquin, the 5K Run/Walk Race Director.
More than 20 veterans and youth acted as watchers along the route of the 5K run from Burlington/ Court street to Commonwealth/2nd Streets back to the finish line.

Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV )Filipino World War II veterans and their advocates, energized by recent victories and their lobbyist Washington based the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans recently visited Capitol Hill (July 26-27) and thanked their Senators, House members and legislative staff for the progress on their equity pension and family bills.
On Thursday evening, the ACFV leaders with JFAV veterans leaders led by Commanders Franco Arcebal,Peping Baclig and Nick Gadia commemorated the the 66th anniversary of the 1941 Military Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt drafting Philippine Commonwealth soldiers into U.S. armed service.

The Alliance-Philippines(AJLPP)-USA and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles.
The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007.
As the hopes for the proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” flickered, mass actions should be the order of the day.. The racist conservatives in the Lower House has just filed the “Border Protection First “ bill that elucidates their racist- anti immigrant bias

The AJLPP and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles. The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007. The proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” supported by the White House fell flat last week and was rejected by the conservatives in the Senate. The debate on the bill was not stopped by a narrow margin during the senate voting.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall. As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

he Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council will mobilize upcoming June 24 Immigrant Rights March-Rally in Hollywood and Vine, Los Angeles.
The June 24th Hollywood march-rally will also demand a stop to the increase on exorbitant fees on citizenship and other documents for immigrants to be implemented by the DHS this July 30, 2007.
The proposed compromise bill on “Border Protection and Immigration Bill” also known as the “grand bargain” supported by the White House fell flat last week and was rejected by the conservatives in the Senate. The debate on the bill was not stopped by a narrow margin during the senate voting.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and People’s Community Organization for Reform and Empowerment (People’s CORE) and the Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) commemorates the 109th Philippine Independence Day and the 62nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bessang last June 12, 2007 at the Los Angeles City Hall.
As a part of the commemorative events, Council Member Herb J. Wesson Jr. of the 10th Council District inducted the newly elected officers of the SGSI at the Mayor Tom Bradley Room or the City Tower at the 26th Floor, Los Angeles City Hall at 200 N. Spring St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC) Council held its annual meeting last May 30 held at the Manila Terrace Social Hall, 2328 W. Temple St, Los Angeles and unanimously passed a resolution that will commit the EPCC to support the current immigrant rights campaign of the Alliance for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP) and the April 7th Coalition,
The EPCC decided to mobilize for the upcoming June 24 March and Rally in Los Angeles to demand for full rights for all immigrants. The April 7 Coalition including Latino Movement USA, Herman dad Mexican National, the ANSWER Coalition is leading this march rally on Sunday, June 24 at 12:00 noon at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood.

About 20 Filipino World War II veterans and their supporters rallied in front of the Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient clinic in Los Angeles on May 8 to ask for the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson.
The protest occurred after last week’s Associated Press report that said Nicholson paid bonuses of up to $33,000 to senior federal workers amidst a $1 billion shortfall in the VA budget.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of 5 veterans, 32 youth, student and 25 community organizations in Southern California, militantly supports the nationwide mass action on the International Worker Day, may 1, 2007 all over the United States/
On May 1, 2007 we will again march in Historic Filipinotown and join the march rally in MaArthur Park. We call for family reunification, justice for veterans and full rights for all immigrants, now! We strongly condemn the racist attacks and raids against immigrants all over the nation. More than 4,000 Filipinos has been deported because of such massive raids.

In a rare show of unity and justice for the Filipino community, The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates together with the Filipino Veterans Foundation commemorated the 65th Bataan Day yesterday, April 9, 2007 with simple commemorative rites at the memorial monument at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026
Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Willy Gaa; Consul Helen Barber of Los Angeles: Alberto Alpasan ,Babes Navarra and Jay Vargas of the Veterans Administration(VA); Council Member Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles graced the April 9 event. Filipino Veterans Foundation by Dra. Jenny Batongmalaque led the commemorative rites.
More than 150 Filipino World War II veterans, their widows and families, relatives and veterans advocates attended the four-hour event.

- Amnesty Now! Full Rights for All Immigrants, Now!
With these resounding chants, more than 75,000 immigrants and immigrant rights advocates under the banner of the April 7 Coalition marched and rallied for full rights for all immigrants last Saturday, April 7, 2007, in Los Angeles.
Unlike the disparate and fewer numbers of mobilized activities last March 25, 2007, the April 7 Coalition march for full rights for all immigrants became one of the largest to be held in Los Angeles after May 1, 2006. This brings a new momentum for the immigrant rights movement in California. The conservative L.A Times estimated the crowd as 10,000 while the Latino Channel 34 estimate of the crowd was 50,000.

Remember Bataan!”
This was the battle cry of American soldiers during the Second World War. The battle cry was a call to avenge the American defeat and the Death March that the Japanese Imperial Army perpetrated against American and Filipino Forces that surrendered in Bataan on April 9, 1942.
Today, after 65 years, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), the regional alliance in the West Coast of Filipino veterans, student, youth and community advocates announced that they will commemorate the 65th Bataan Day on April 9, 2007 at 9:00 A.M with simple commemorative rites that will highlighted by the blessing of the memorial monument and wreath laying at the Lake Street Park Memorial Monument at 227 Park View St. Los Angeles, CA 90026.

Join pro-immigrant organizations Latino Movement USA, Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), People's CORE/CDIR and many others, including the ANSWER Coalition, for a march and rally to demand full rights for all immigrants

“All Out for Equity and Justice”
With this battle cry, over 150 community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans all over Southern California and Los Angeles gathered for a successful Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095.
The Unity Conference began at 9:00 a.m. of each day at the Moore Hall at the UCLA campus. On Saturday, March 10, 7:00 p.m, over 200 people came to an exhilarating three-hour Cultural Solidarity Night at 100 Moore Hall UCLA Campus Los Angeles, CA 90095. The cultural night featured the showing of the 35-minute documentary, “Broken Promises,” performances by spoken word artists, cultural groups and other surprise numbers and paid glowing tribute to our veteran heroes.
Conference organizers awarded a plaque of appreciation to longtime veteran rights’ supporter, Allan Pineda Lindo, a.k.a. Apl de Ap of world famous Grammy-awarded hip hop group, “Black Eyed Peas.”

“All Out for Equity and Justice”
With this battle cry, the community advocates, students, youth and the remaining Filipino World War II veterans in Southern California and Los Angeles cordially invite the public to come and gather for a Unity Conference on March 10-11, 2007 in UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095.
Veterans leaders like Commander Jack Vergara of the Society of Guerillas and Scouts Inc (SGSI); Commander Franco Arcebal of ACFV; Commander Peping Baclig of JFAV; Commander Joe Samonte of Long Beach and Veterans Federations of the Philippines (VFP; Commander Flor Cadiente of FACLA; Commander Eugenio Mondok of the United Filipino American Veterans (UFAV) and Sam Icalina and Manny Aquino of Carson full mobilized heir membership and will grace the occasion.

Equity and Justice Through Unity“ Conference. Collectivizing our Efforts to Attain Full Recognition for Filipino World War II veterans- will be held on March 10-11, 2007 at Kerchoff Hall, UCLA in Los Angeles, CA 90095.
Gathering more momentum for the passage of the Equity Bill after the successful February 15 hearing at the US House of Representatives in Washington DC, the Filipino American community in Los Angeles led by the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Samahang Pilipino at UCLA will holding the conference .
The Veteran, Student, and Community Educational Conference theme is "Collectivizing our efforts to attain full recognition for Filipino World War II veterans." This is to follow-up and activate more pro-active advocacy for the passage of the veterans equity bill.

With the slogan" “”Full Rights for All immigrants, Justice for Veterans, Now” more than 2,000 people participated last Saturday’s PCORE/JFAV Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipinotown , Los Angeles. The event started will the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War.

“”Family Reunification and Veterans Equity, Now!
The Historic Filipinotown is all set for the 6th JFAV Annual Veterans Day. The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Community Health Fair in Historic Filipino town in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2005 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.The annual community event will start with the unveiling of the Filipino World War II Memorial Monument at the Lake Street Park 227 N. Lake St. at 9:00 in the morning. The memorial monument is a tribute of the City of Los Angeles to honor the contribution of Filipino Word War II veterans during the Second World War. Invited guests are Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, federal,state and city officials. Philippine Consulate officials, Filipino veteran, community, youth and student leaders

The Alliance for Just and Lasting Peace in the Philippines (AJLPP)-USA in solidarity with the people of the Philippines in their militant protest against political killings, call to resume peace negotiations and in commemoration of the 34th year of the declaration of martial rule in the Philippines launches different types of activities from September 21-23 in four major cities in the United States.

The Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV), an alliance of veterans, community, youth and students organizations in southern California, commemorates the 64th year of the Fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942. It also calls for total and all out support for the April 10 national mobilization for full immigrants rights on April 10 and May 1.